Serving as a family caregiver for an aging in place elderly loved one is highly rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally draining. The average family caregiver in the U.S. also juggles at least a part-time job and household with their caregiving responsibilities, which makes their lives even more challenging. “Respite care” is a term that refers to short-term or temporary relief. Respite caregivers come in many shapes and sizes. What follows are some reliable respite care options when it’s time for you to take a well-deserved break.
Why Family Caregivers Need a Break
As a caregiver, there may be several reasons why you need to take some time off, including:
Caregiver Fatigue
If you’ve been flying solo while caring for a loved one, especially for several months now, it’s not uncommon to start feeling tired, rundown and irritable. Those are classic signs of caregiver fatigue, a condition that can quickly worsen if you don’t get some caregiving relief.
Vacation
As a spouse and parent, it’s natural to want to spend a week or two going on a family vacation someplace relaxing. Doing so will also give you a chance to step back from your caregiving responsibilities, recharge and refresh.
Illness or Injury
This aspect works both ways in the caregiver/recipient relationship. For example, your loved one may have an extended illness that requires a level of care you’re simply not trained to provide them with. Or, you may hurt your back one day helping mom or dad out of bed, and need some time to mend.
Business-Related Travel
Your boss might approach you one day with an exciting job opportunity that requires traveling out-of-state for training purposes. If it’s something that’s promising for your career, you’ll probably want to find a caregiving replacement to fill in until you return.
Testing Other Possibilities
Nobody wants to use their loved one as a “guinea pig” for trying other caregivers. But if you are moving across country soon, you’ll be forced to test out other caregiving possibilities for when the day comes you’re no longer available.
Obviously, when any of these scenarios present themselves, it will become necessary to share the workload with a respite caregiver who can step in and deliver the nurturing care your loved one needs to ensure their continued health and wellbeing.
Respite Care Sources
Once you’ve decided to find a respite caregiver, here are some possible sources:
Family Members and Friends
In many families, the eldest daughter takes on most of the caregiving duties by default or choice. Recruit your siblings and then get them involved as much as possible to give you a break- notably if fatigue is starting to set in. Another possible source is a trusted friend, notably one who’s been through it before.
Community Resources
Visit your local Agency on Aging’s website for some senior caregiving resources in your area, such as:
- Volunteers from faith-based and other non-profit organizations
- Senior transportation
- Meal services that deliver to the home
- Day camps
Adult Daycare
These centers are specifically designed for seniors who can no longer manage on their own, and most have planned activities that promote wellbeing through social, educational and health-related services. While maintaining a safe, cheerful and supportive environment, the average adult daycare center is open Monday through Friday and provides healthy meals and snacks.
Paid In-Home Respite Care
You can also hire a professional respite caregiver through a nearby licensed home care agency. Most agencies provide around-the-clock care if needed, along with a full menu of in-home services that are designed to keep seniors happy, healthy and independent.
Affordable & Reliable Respite Care for In-Home Seniors
Serving as a family caregiver for an aging loved one is very beneficial, but it can also feel physically and mentally overwhelming at times. When you need a break, trust in a highly trained respite caregiver from Creative Caregivers. As a fully licensed and insured home care agency, our carefully screened caregivers can step in and provide your loved one with the compassionate care they deserve to keep them aging comfortably in place right where they want to be.
From a few hours per week, to 24-hours a day, our reliable respite caregivers can perform in-home duties including light housework, personal hygiene, meals, transportation, medication reminders, or just some much-needed companionship. And, all our family trusted amenities can be individually tailored in an affordable package that’ll put your mind at ease. For more information about Creative Caregivers, or to schedule a, free in-home respite care assessment for your senior today, please visit: www.creativecaregiversfl.com now!